Top 20 Best Things to Do in Xining
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Xining

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  • Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museumtop_1
    󰺂8.3
    Xining.Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza8.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
    󰋄Open year-round, closed 3 days
    󱨠Saved by 232 users󱨠7345 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    D46***22D46***22

    Gigantic thangka in the supplementary exhibition, interesting for enthusiasts. Otherwise there are also thangkas in the museum of Tibetan culture, with more explanations and videos.

  • Kumbum Monasterytop_2
    󰺂8.3
    2.45
    Xining23.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTickets for Three Major Xining Attractions Reduced to ¥10 | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 5, 2026
    Highlights:
    󱓊Unique hilltop temple complex
    󱓊Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces
    󱨠Saved by 251 users󱨠9287 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    大    牛大 牛

    Kumbum Monastery is famous for two main reasons. First, its location is close to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, only 28 kilometers away, making it easily accessible to travelers with excellent service. Second, it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, for whom a large silver stupa was built. Later, a monastery was built around the stupa, which was then directly named Kumbum Monastery. It's a vast complex, built against the mountainside, very majestic. Walking among it, experiencing Tibetan Buddhism, and watching the Tibetan people prostrating themselves in devout worship, you'll feel somewhat mesmerized. 😂

  • Qinghai Laketop_3
    󰺂7.9
    9.78
    Gonghe>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoQinghai Lake's freezing season returns with a view of half clear water and half ice | Dec 2025-Feb 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱓊Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
    Boat ride & scenic views
    󱨠Saved by 194 users󱨠3672 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    A big thumbs up to Mr. Ye (driver Qing AF650A)! This one-day in-depth tour of two lakes has come to a successful end. We departed from Xining to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. He picked us up at 6 AM and we returned precisely at 9 PM! He was incredibly punctual, with no delays whatsoever. We had ample time to explore, and he wasn't rushing us at all. He was very cooperative and punctual in managing the itinerary. His time management was truly excellent. Secondly, Mr. Ye's service was excellent. He patiently answered all our questions, explained local ethnic minority customs, and shared a lot about Qinghai's history, geography, and lifestyle. The experience was very comfortable and relaxed. There were no forced or hidden charges. He reminded us of the off-season travel times to and from the scenic areas and made sure to allow time for restroom breaks. Since shops were closed during the off-season, he drove us to town for a delicious and affordable lunch. We ate local noodles for only 10 yuan with free refills. There was no pressure to choose a restaurant or share meals; we were free to find our own food. Along the way, they were willing to stop for a minute to take a couple of photos of the beautiful scenery. They weren't rushed at all, and most importantly, they didn't waste any time, departing on time and arriving almost ahead of schedule. They handled everyone's safety concerns very well; the driver was very stable and skilled, with no speeding, overtaking, or reckless driving. They repeatedly reminded everyone to fasten their seatbelts and reminded them to be careful before entering the scenic areas. They prioritized the safety of tourists, showing incredibly thoughtful attention to detail. I slept very comfortably in the car, haha. Driver Ye respected the tourists' choices and generally met their needs. I was really lucky to have him leading the tour that day; the weather was also great, a sunny day perfect for photos. Everything went smoothly, even better than expected, and we were very fortunate not to encounter any problems. Also, the scenery of Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake was absolutely breathtaking! The scenery was breathtaking all along the way. I brought my camera and took many great photos, a truly rewarding experience. I haven't had time to process the photos yet, so below are some unedited, original photos of Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake taken with my phone. The scenery in person is even more beautiful than in photos. Traveling during the off-season avoids peak times, eliminating queues and allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable journey – it's truly fantastic. This day tour included highway tolls with no extra charges, Qinghai Lake tickets were discounted during the off-season and included a free fridge magnet, round-trip bus fare was free, and Chaka Salt Lake was free. The group was a small group of 8, but only 6 people actually traveled with us, making it excellent value for money! It left me with wonderful memories and impressions of Qinghai. Finally, the overall travel experience was perfect, enjoyable, and comfortable. There was no feeling of being rushed or rushed; I was able to enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace. I'm very grateful to Mr. Ye and this tour group; they deserve this honest and positive feedback! This is a genuine review! A sincere review, no shilling! It matches the description on the homepage. I was very satisfied with the service, the details were thoughtful, the safety measures were taken seriously, and the itinerary was well-planned. So, everyone can book with confidence; there were no disappointments, it was perfect in every aspect, and this is a very reliable review. Let me reiterate, I am not a shill, I am not a shill, this is an honest review from the bottom of my heart. I would definitely recommend it to my friends, and I will definitely come back next time. I will consider using this tour group for my future trips. Until next time! Thank you!

  • Xining Wildlife Park
    4
    󰺂7.8
    Xining4.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCapital of Snow Leopards: Lingbu'e Animal Profile
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
    󱓊Wildlife viewing & educational experience
    󱨠2343 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    山河被占用山河被占用

    Xining Zoo is quite a popular zoo, and since I went during the off-season, it wasn't crowded, but I still had a wonderful time seeing many animals. The only downside was that the Pallas's cat enclosure was under renovation, so I didn't get to see it, but I saw all the other animals, making the ticket well worth it.

  • Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
    5
    󰺂7.7
    7.34
    Huangyuan64.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
    Yak rides & highland photography
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠816 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    沫沫然_沫沫然_

    The Qinghai-Tibet border landscape is breathtaking, the fluttering prayer flags create a wonderful atmosphere, and the legend of Princess Wencheng adds to the charm! A must-see for anyone passing through, the scenery is magnificent, the Tibetan culture is rich, and the price is great!

  • Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Nature Museum
    6
    󰺂6.3
    13.2
    Xining.Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza8.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xining
    Highlights:
    󰋄Hands-on exhibits & interactive zone
    󰀆High-tech & plateau ecosystem restoration
    󱨠341 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The location is convenient, the atmosphere is warm, and the facilities are clean and comfortable. It is an ideal choice for backpackers and young travelers. It is cost-effective. The owner cleans the place very quickly and cleanly. I recommend it to everyone!

  • Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower
    7
    󰺂6.0
    7.1
    Xining2.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Xining
    Highlights:
    󱓊188-foot tower: Xining's iconic landmark
    󱓊188m tower overlooks Xining
    󱨠192 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    _We***53_We***53

    Also known as "Puning Pearl", it was built with the aid of Shanghai Pudong New Area, and is named after Pudong and Xining. Puning Pearl is a multifunctional sightseeing tower integrating radio and television transmission, urban planning exhibition, and tourism. It is located on the top of Xishan Mountain. From the tower, you can overlook the night view of the entire Xining City.

  • Qinghai Province Museum
    8
    󰺂5.9
    Xining.Qinghai Province Museum/Xining Wildlife Park2.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view of Qinghai's nature & history
    󰀆360° panoramic view of Xining
    󱨠157 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    无敌酷炸毛的喵酱无敌酷炸毛的喵酱

    A worthwhile museum offers a window into Qinghai's history and culture. To explore Qinghai and the plateau, start at the Qinghai Provincial Museum. The museum displays artifacts from across the province, including brocades, silks, gold, silver, and bronze artifacts unearthed from the Reshui Tombs in Dulan, painted pottery from the Liuwan Tombs, 4,000-year-old Lajia noodle containers and noodles, the first bronze mirror and tile end from the Guinan grasslands, Panxiu from the Rainbow Homeland, row lanterns from the ancient city of Danger, and Qutan artifacts from the imperial monasteries. The exquisite craftsmanship is breathtaking and unforgettable.

  • Dongguan Mosque
    9
    󰺂5.7
    Xining.Dongguan Grand Mosque/Lower Nanguan Street1.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Watch rituals & learn religion
    󱓊Temple illuminated by magical green lights
    󱨠Saved by 130 users󱨠175 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    _co***29_co***29

    The Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining City is a rare and solemn building. The nine gold-plated regular script characters "Xining Budongguan Grand Mosque" are inscribed on the middle door lintel, and the inside and outside of the other door lintels are inscribed with gold-plated Arabic classic quotations. The "Hundred-Character Praise" inscribed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for mosques across the country is preserved in the temple and is embedded in the wall of the middle door, which is worth seeing.

  • Danggar Ancient Town
    10
    󰺂5.6
    Huangyuan46 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Xining
    󱨠31% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    盛夏的清凉盛夏的清凉

    The ancient city of Danggar is located on the road from Xining to Qinghai Lake, making it a worthwhile stop. It's small and has been beautifully restored. Besides shops, it houses a Confucian temple, a memorial hall for local poets, and a church. Because it's relatively unknown, it doesn't attract many visitors.

Best things to do in Xining (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Xining? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Xining offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Xining

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Xining experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum

• Xining.Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza | 8.4 km from downtown

• : Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15,Open year-round, closed 3 days

Kumbum Monastery

• Xining | 23.7 km from downtown

• : Unique hilltop temple complex,Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces

Qinghai Lake

• Gonghe | >100 km from downtown

• : Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture,Boat ride & scenic views

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Xining

If you want to explore attractions just outside Xining, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Xining, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Xining special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Xining

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Xining

Ready to explore the best of Xining? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Xining?
These are all Best Things to Do in Xining:Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, Kumbum Monastery, Qinghai Lake, Xining Wildlife Park, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Xining?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Xining include:Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum:4.8, Kumbum Monastery:4.6, Qinghai Lake:4.5, Xining Wildlife Park:4.6, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains):4.4
At what locations in Xining can Best Things to Do in Xining be found?
The Best Things to Do in Xining are mainly located in:Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum:Xining, Kumbum Monastery:Xining, Qinghai Lake:Gonghe, Xining Wildlife Park:Xining, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains):Huangyuan
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